About the ACS Scholars Program
The ACS Scholars Program is a winner of the 2001 Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring and the 1997 American Society of Association Executives Award of Excellence.
The American Chemical Society Scholars Program awards renewable scholarships of up to $5,000 to underrepresented minority students who want to enter the fields of chemistry or chemistry-related fields, such as environmental science, toxicology and chemical technology.
High school seniors and college freshmen, sophomores, or juniors are eligible to apply. Learn more about eligibility or find out how to apply.
The ACS Scholars Program was established in 1994 to attract African American, Hispanic and American Indian students considered underrepresented in the chemical sciences by the National Science Foundation to pursue careers in the field.
The program also aims to help build awareness of the value and rewards associated with careers in chemistry and assist students in acquiring skills and credentials needed for success.
Selection Process
A selection committee reviews all scholarship applications. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic record, career objective, financial need, leadership ability, participation in school activities, and community service.
Award Amounts
The amount of each award depends upon the availability of funding, the number of scholarships awarded, and evidence of financial need. Scholarship recipients receive up to a maximum of $5,000 per year, and the awards are renewable.
Program Donors
Corporations, organizations and individual donors have contributed more than $3.5 million to the Scholars Program. A growing number of corporate partners offer summer research opportunities to students. Learn more about our scholarship sponsors.
Scholarship Winners
More than 1,900 students have received a scholarship through the ACS Scholars Program. African Americans comprise 55% of the recipient pool, Hispanic/Latino students represent 39%, and Native American students at 6%.
To date, over 900 students have graduated with a bachelor’s degree in a chemical science. Of those students, 52% have gone on to graduate school, and 48% have entered the chemical science workforce.
The following table shows demographic information.*
| Type of Student | Amount | Percentage |
| Female | 1069 | 57% |
| Male | 813 | 43% |
| African American | 1015 | 54% |
| Hispanic/Latino | 746 | 40% |
| Native American | 121 | 6% |
| Major | Amount | Percentage |
| Chemistry | 684 | 36% |
| Chemical Engineering | 679 | 36% |
| Biochemistry | 238 | 13% |
| Related Majors | 281 | 10% |
| Type of Graduate | Amount | Percentage |
| Female Graduates | 501 | 60% |
| Male Graduates | 341 | 40% |
| African American Graduates | 477 | 57% |
| Hispanic/Latino Graduates | 327 | 39% |
| Native American/American Indian | 38 | 4% |
| Student Follow-up | Amount | Percentage |
| Are in Graduate School | 381 | 45% |
| Are in the Chemical Work Force | 319 | 38% |
| Student Retention Rate | 80% |
*Demographics as of July 2008.
Student Mentoring
To help scholarship winners achieve success, ACS seeks mentors from college and university faculty, industry, members, and volunteers associated with minority advocacy organizations, such as the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos and Native Americans (SACNAS) and the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE).
ACS also encourages awardees to participate in undergraduate research and internships, and attend professional scientific meetings.
Contact Us
For additional information about the ACS Scholars Program, please contact:
ACS Scholars Program
1155 16th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036
800-227-5558, ext. 6250
Fax: (202) 872-4361
Email: scholars@acs.org